Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Yellow Lab Portrait in Soft Pastel

I just finished this commissioned portrait of a yellow lab named Henry.  Water can be difficult to paint, and I've never painted a wet dog before, so this was a bit of a challenge.  Overall, though, I'm happy with the result.



16" x 20"
Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard
SOLD


27 comments:

Ruth said...

Kari, this is superb. The colors, so complementary, create the perfect tension to make this quite outstanding. Love the colors in the Lab. He looks soft and velvety just like IRL. And you've captured the beauty of his shape and personality in your drawing and composition. Love it, love it, love it.

Roby Baer said...

Keri... wonderful job on this painting of Henry! You have successfully captured his wet hair and I love how he is really pushing through that water!! Fantastic!

Kari Tirrell said...

Thank you, Ruth! What a nice comment - I really appreciate it!

Thanks, Roby - I'm glad you like it!

Susan Roux said...

It looks wonderful! Water and wet dog...

Your buyer must have been very pleased.

Nancy Goldman said...

This is stunning. You did a great job capturing the feel of the water and wet dog. I'm sure his humans are thrilled.

Kari Tirrell said...

Thank you, Susan and Nancy! The client was very happy, which is always good. :)

Lokelani Forrest said...

Kari, this is amazing. Thought for a moment that it was IRL. You captured the softness of his coat, his features, actually everything beautifully.

Gwen Bell said...

Really terrific work! The ripples in the water and the beautiful treatment of the dogs wet fur are exceptional.

jyothisethu said...

Kari,
beautiful picture...
life like...
fantastic...
congratulations....

Vern Schwarz said...

Henry is at home in the water, his element, and you are at home with the pastels, definitely your element. Wet, dry, doesn't matter Kari, it's all in your wheelhouse. Fabulous painting.

Kari Tirrell said...

Thank you all so much for stopping by. I appreciate all the kind comments and I'm happy you like the painting!

Terri Buchholz said...

This is lovely. I love the wet pink tongue and gums and beautiful expression on his face. Technically the painting is great but the soul of this good boy really shines through as well.

Kari Tirrell said...

Thank you, Terri! I'm glad you think so. He does look like a sweetheart, doesn't he?

Mona Diane Conner said...

Wow Kari! This is one of my favorites of yours. The color in the dog's fur is wonderful and the shadow under the ear is so softly done too.

Kari Tirrell said...

Thanks, Mona!

Gary Keimig said...

beautiful painting, Kari. You have captured him just perfectly.

Kari Tirrell said...

Thanks, Gary! :)

Dana Cooper said...

This is truly amazing Kari, you have really captured his look of anticipation!

r garriott said...

This is a truly outstanding canine portrait! I love it!

(...and I'm honored to see my name on your blog roll... I had no idea! You'll be on mine, too.)

Kari Tirrell said...

Thanks, Dana - I'm glad you like it!

Thanks, R! I appreciate that. :)

L.Holm said...

Beautiful, Kari! You really nailed that happy expression they get when they're swimming! Great work.

Jaime Baiao said...

gostei!

Kari Tirrell said...

Thank you, Jaime! :)

Bill Sterling said...

Kari,
You never cease to amaze me.
I thought you did a great job with my Cassidy,which you did,but this is another outstanding piece.
You are the best.
Bill Sterling

Kari Tirrell said...

That's really sweet of you, Bill - thank you!!

Arti said...

Kari, you do magic with pastels!Amazing...

Kari Tirrell said...

Thank you, Arti!